Cho Dang Gol

Among the delicious offerings that comprise the banchan welcoming diners to this hopping K-town spot, take note of the tofu. Warm, fluffy, and house-made, it's just one of the reasons why Cho Dang Gol is a standout for Korean cuisine. In fact, the restaurant is named for a South Korean village famous for its soybean curd. Next in line for your attention is the listing of bubbling hot jjigae (stew). House varieties of this include short rib with taro and glass noodles; or a wild sesame-and-mushroom casserole. Though the staff can be brusquely efficient—a product of the high business volume—Korean artifacts and rustic wooden tables lend a sweet sentimentality to the place that, combined with the fresh, high-quality food, make it well worth a visit.